One week, two bombshells - the Grand Finale is here!
Published on 25 September 2012
Jesse Dixon’s task this week was simple - secure a position in the Grand Finale of the Shannons Supercar Showdown. All he needed was a clean run around the Winton racetrack, clocking a faster speed than his fellow finalists. Instead, Dixon recorded one of the worst and most dangerous drives of his career.
In an explosive semi-final, the Kelly brothers challenged the final three, Jesse Dixon, Glen Wood and Andre Heimgartner to undertake a simulated race, complete with full pit stops.
In the toughest challenge yet, the rookies were asked to showcase the skills they’ve acquired over the course of the competition.
“This is your chance to show Rick and I exactly what you can do, make it count," advised Todd Kelly.
Things started well when Wood, brother of V8 Supercar driver Dale Wood, took to the track. After narrowly escaping elimination again last week, Glen knew there was no room for error. Fortunately, advice from older brother Dale payed off for the Victorian who executed a flawless run.
"I couldn’t be happier. My whole run just went perfectly," said an exuberant Wood.
Things also went well for 17 year-old Kiwi Andre Heimgartner, who managed to clock an impressive time despite a small lock up.
Jesse Dixon however was not so lucky. Dixon was only a few moments into his first run when he grossly misjudged a corner and spun the V8 Supercar sideways off the track.
The flabbergasted Kelly brothers watched in horror as the car, travelling 200 km per hour, left the track while going through Winton’s high speed sweeper, before eventually grinding to a halt – thankfully, without flipping.
“That’s a big mistake,” was all Rick Kelly could manage to say.
A shaken Dixon was called back to the mechanics shed a lap early, unable to complete the challenge.
"To make such a stupid mistake, when the prize is so close, I’m just devastated. I’m so annoyed at myself… there’s no doubt about it, I’m going home," said a shattered Dixon after his catastrophic run.
The elimination outcome seemed obvious as the Kelly brothers met with the drivers to deliver their feedback. While Wood and Heimgartner received praise, as expected Dixon’s performance came under fire.
“Jesse, I must say Todd and I are a little bit disappointed with what happened out there. You speared off at one of the fastest and most dangerous parts of the track - a mistake like that at Bathurst would be game over," said Rick Kelly.
As Dixon prepared to say his goodbyes and exit the competition, the Kelly brothers dropped the bombshell announcement; there was no elimination this week.
An outraged Wood asked "What the hell? He doesn’t deserve a second chance," while a stunned Dixon counted his lucky stars.
"I’m absolutely blown away, I’ve just got a second chance. You don’t get second chances in this sport," he said.
The rookies did not have time to absorb the news before the second bombshell of the day was dropped. The grand final showdown would be taking place that day.
“The bad news is the final race starts right now. I know you guys are tired, and would prefer a good nights sleep. But after all, Bathurst is an endurance race, so time to see if you guys have got what it takes,” the judges Rick and Todd told the exhausted drivers.
In the next episode, the Shannon’s Supercar Showdown grand finale has finally arrived! It’s a no holds barred battle between Victorian charmer Glen Wood, Queensland teenager Jesse Dixon and New Zealand school boy Andre Heimgartner.
Nothing will be left in the tank as the three finalists battle it out for the ultimate prize in motorsport - a place on the starting grid at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000! Who will be taking their rightful place on the track?
The Grand Final edition of Shannon’s Supercar Showdown airs on Sunday on 7Mate (check local guides for times)
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